Sheriff: No Criminal Intent in Stewart Crash

posted by John Johnson, Newser Staff
-
2 years ago

(NEWSER) – As of now, the Ontario County sheriff in upstate New York doesn't expect to file charges against NASCAR's Tony Stewart after he struck and killed a fellow driver at a dirt-track event Saturday night, reports the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle. The investigation is continuing into the death of 20-year-old Kevin Ward, but the sheriff says he sees nothing to suggest that Stewart acted criminally. However, he's again asking that witnesses send in whatever photos and videos they have, reports the AP. Investigators also are reconstructing the accident, taking into account track conditions and the dim lighting. In the incident, Stewart sent Ward's car spinning into the wall, and Ward then walked onto the track to confront Stewart. Though one car swerved to avoid Ward, Stewart fishtailed into him. Ward's actions may sound nuts to non-racing fans, but as the New York Times reports, it's not that uncommon.